Chapter 25: The Adults Make Decisions
Albus Dumbledore was frustrated and worried. He was trying to figure out how to handle the topic about Harry's punishments. He told Jeff he would be a parent and step back from being a teacher. Jeff suggested a meeting between himself, Albus, Harry, and Professor McGonagall to discuss the changes.
Harry sighed in relief when Jeff walked into the room and the nurse left. He didn't mind the nurses, but he felt more comfortable with talking to Jeff than being watched all day and the nurses hovered closer as his level of anxiety increased.
"How are you doing?" Jeff asked.
"I'm fine," Harry said.
"Before you go to lunch, I would like to talk to you about your stay here," Jeff said.
"Oh," Harry said.
"I would like you to stay another week, if not two," said Jeff. "I already talked with your other healers and Albus. Albus is currently planning a meeting with me, you, him, and Professor McGonagall."
"Why?" Harry asked, confused.
"Because Albus is trying to be both a parent and a teacher," Jeff said. "He cannot be both. He cannot control your school-related punishments and be your guardian."
"But I don't want him to give the guardianship to someone else!" Harry said, panicking.
"Harry, I never said that he would," said Jeff calmly. "I highly doubt he would want to. This is why Professor McGonagall is going to come too, so that you can talk to her about how she can help you when she catches you and needs to give you detention or a lecture."
"Oh," Harry said, relieved. "Ok."
The next day, Jeff told the nurses that Harry could be alone for a few hours but to check on him every hour. Jeff notified Albus of the after lunch meeting and met him and Professor McGonagall in his office just before Harry walked in at 1300.
"Harry," said Albus seriously. "I know how much it means to us both that I'm your guardian and you're my ward. This is why I choose to be a parent over a teacher. Therefore, your punishments will be going back to Professor McGonagall."
Harry was relieved that Albus wasn't about to hand him off to someone else, but was also nervous that his head of house could yell at him again.
"Mr. Potter," said Professor McGonagall. "I learned the last time I saw you that yelling at you won't help you learn. Therefore, whenever I catch you in your wrong doings, I'll try to remain calm."
"Ok," Harry said.
"Good," she said. "And if ever you feel like things are going out of control, come talk with me or Albus. We will always listen."
Harry felt relieved. Perhaps she was merely trying to help and never meant to scare him.
"Do you have any questions?" Albus asked.
"Yes," Harry said. "When I go back, will I continue staying with you?"
Jeff answered quicker than Albus could. "Yes Harry, you will be. He can keep an eye on you when you're not in classes or meals. To leave you in the dorms at this point would not be a good idea. You often have nightmares, and you often are stressed."
Harry nodded. He didn't think he could handle being in the dorms right now.
"Also," said Jeff. "When you do go back, I will see you at least three times a week, and Professor Snape agreed that he would continue seeing you twice a week, mainly on weekends."
Harry nodded in acceptance. He didn't understand why he had to stay longer if they already had this planned, but chose not to say anything. If Jeff thought that staying here for longer was the best, then perhaps he needed to trust the adults.